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Afro Blue / Afro-Centric by Yuka Mito

From the album

Album Title: Love In The City
Nana Notes Records
Released: 2022

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About the Album

Yuka Mito, a very appealing jazz singer who made a strong impression with her previous release Time After Time, displays her continuing evolution on Love In The City. “This album features different aspects of my jazz singing,” says Yuka.” On Time After Time, I wasn’t scatting that much, but having performed with these musicians so much over the years since, I felt very comfortable singing and scatting with them.”

Love In The City (Nana Notes Records) has Yuka joined by the same trio as on her previous recording. “I met Allen Farnham, Dean Johnson, and Tim Horner at Jazz at Kitano and I have always really loved their playing. I like Allen’s gentle approach and his style matches very well with mine. He understands my Japanese culture, knows jazz history, and is the perfect person to arrange this music and collabo- rate with on my shows. I have performed with Dean and Tim many times. They work together very well, and their sound is perfect on bebop and for the other music that I sing.”

The sessions that led to Love In The City began in 2019 but had to be stopped when the COVID pandemic hit; they were completed in more recent times. In addition to the trio, each of whom have opportunities to offer concise and perfectly fitting solos, the great altoist Vincent Herring (who Yuka met at a jam session at Smoke) uplifts a few songs with his contributions.

Tracks

1. I Got Rhythm 5:03 2. Love In The City 4:49 3. My Funny Valentine 5:33 4. Four Brothers 3:22 5. Afro Blue / Afro-Centric 6. Memory Of Father ~ 父の背中 5:47 7. Nice Work If You Can Get It / Take The A Train 5:47 8. How Insensitive 3:36 9. Love Me Or Leave Me 4:14 10. I’ll Remember April 5:07

Personnel

Date featured

July 10, 2022

This song appears by permission of the contributing artist and/or record company.
It is for personal use only; no other rights are granted or implied.

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